Diet and Disease

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8. Alcohol

Alcohol use increases the risk of liver cancer. When combined with smoking, alcohol intake also increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, and esophagus. In addition, alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women.

The liver metabolizes alcohol. Continued and excessive use of alcohol can damage the liver in various ways, including the development of a fatty liver. A fatty liver can progress to cirrhosis of the liver.

Alcohol can damage the lining of the small intestine and stomach, where most nutrients are digested. As a result, alcohol can impair the absorption of essential nutrients. Alcohol also increases the body's requirements for some nutrients, while interfering with the absorption and storage of other nutrients.

Continued and excessive use of alcohol can result in an increase in blood pressure. Chronic heavy drinking also can cause damage to the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). In addition, stroke is associated with both chronic heavy drinking and binge drinking.

If a person chooses to drink alcohol, moderation is recommended -- not more than two drinks per day for men and one per day for women.